For Immediate Release 13 May 2025
Authorised by Councillor James Blackwell
It’s been well over seven months since I, along with the rest of your Hilltops Councillors, were sworn in for our current term of office. If you had told me back then what was in store over for me over this short period, I might not have believed you. Actually, for some things, I definitely would not have believed you!
I’ve managed to visit nearly every community across the Shire, from Tubbul to Rye Park and everywhere in between, and have definitely put a few kilometres on the car! I’ve also had way too many sausage sizzles!
We’ve also achieved a lot during that time, including reforming our approach to waste, making continued progress towards the Harden-Boorowa water pipeline, taking charge of the Hilltops pools, and allocating funding towards a dog park. We’ve passed more policies than I care to count (and almost too many to read – though I did get through them all), and we’ve continued work on the Hilltops Financial Improvement Strategy.
That’s not to say we’ve been perfect as a Council or as individual Councillors. On some issues we’re going to have large disagreements, even public ones. On others, you may feel we haven’t listened well enough. And even on some things, we’ll get it wrong. But that’s to be expected – and it’s up to you to stay involved, to point out where to make changes and where we do make mistakes.
The 2025-26 budget and many other documents are currently out for public submission. If you don’t put provide feedback, we can’t learn or make changes. It’s true of anything we put out.
I think we’ve done a pretty good job the last seven-plus months, but if you don’t agree, or think we could be doing even better, then tell us. Comment on our policies, email your Councillors, come to events. Democracy only thrives when you participate in it.
Also, by the time my next column rolls around, they will be over – so don’t forget the upcoming National Reconciliation and NAIDOC Weeks in May/June, and July. Both are great opportunities to reflect on your relationship with Indigenous peoples, how we best acknowledge and celebrate our local Indigenous communities, and the work we must all do to create a better society and region for everyone – one free from racism and discrimination.
Until next time!
Councillor James Blackwell